A Cycle Activated Traffic Sign (CATS) has been installed as part of the Sustrans National Cycle Route 15 in Leicestershire, UK. The sign is at a cycle crossing on the A453 on a new cycle link to East Midlands airport being introduced to encourage people to cycle to work. User-controlled crossings and overhead detectors were rejected for the crossing in favour of the CATS. The CATS uses pressure pads to activate a vehicle-activated sign (VAS). If a cyclist rides over the pad at the same time as an approaching car is detected by the sign's radar, the amber lights and 'Slow Down' message are activated in the VAS. The lights will warn drivers but the cyclist at the CAT crossing is unaware that a sign is being activated and so proceeds with the same level of caution. The crossing went live in September 2006 and initial results showed a 10% reduction in mean vehicle speeds when the CATS are activated.
Samenvatting